2/25/2008

BEIJING - THE death toll from severe snow storms that have paralysed large parts of China this winter has reached 129, state media reported.

In addition to the confirmed deaths, four are still listed as missing, while 1.7 million have been evacuated, the Beijing News tabloid said on Sunday, citing Mr Li Liguo, vice-minister of civil affairs.

Previously, state media had reported 107 fatalities from the blizzards and icy temperatures that have struck more than a dozen Chinese provinces over the past two months and been seen as the worst in 50 years.